Preventing unwanted pregnancy among internally displaced adolescents (15-19 years) in Nigeria

Unwanted pregnancy, especially among adolescents, poses a global health burden and particularly affects marginalised communities owing to poverty and limited opportunities. Internally displaced adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa face a heightened risk for poor sexual and reproductive health. Insights into their beliefs about contraceptive use and the barriers they encounter are limited. This study aimed to investigate the underlying beliefs towards contraceptive use and the challenges faced among internally displaced adolescents aged 15-19 years in Nigeria. I employed a cross-sectional qualitative design, including 27 in-depth interviews and 17 focus-group discussions conducted with internally displaced adolescent boys and girls (N = 126) across nine internally displaced persons camps. Results identified negative injunctive normative beliefs regarding premarital sex and contraceptive use, and misconceptions about modern contraceptive methods (behavioural beliefs) as important factors hindering the uptake and use of modern contraception. Key barriers identified at the community level were experienced stigma and discrimination among adolescents trying to access modern contraception and general financial incapability. Reducing stigma and overt discrimination surrounding premarital sex and the use of contraceptives for adolescents and young people is necessary to increase the uptake of modern contraceptives by adolescents living in internally displaced persons camps.